1976 Buick Electra vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 525 kg more than 1976 Buick Electra.
Because 1976 Buick Electra is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Buick Electra (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 1976 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Electra | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5940 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2580 mm |
